Gypsy Woman - Brian Hyland (1970) 4/26/22

Today's "Great Song" was a hit 3 times...in 1961, 1970, and 1990. And yet, the name "Gypsy Woman" may not ring a bell. At least not right away. Maybe this will jog your memory:

In 1961, Curtis Mayfield wrote "Gypsy Woman, and recorded it with his group, The Impressions. The song certainly made an "impression" on the record-buying public, who sent the song to #2 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart and #20 on the Hot 100.

In 1970, Brian Hyland made it a "Great Song of the '70s" that went to #3 on the Top 40 in both the US and Canada. This was the same Brian Hyland whose biggest hit previously was "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," so his well-produced serious version came as a surprise to most people--possibly including Brian himself!

Finally, in 1990, Carlos Santana and his band put their special Latin/Funk stamp on the song...taking it to #29 on the Adult Contemporary Chart in Canada...and #31 in the US.

The three versions are completely different, and all of them are "Great" in their own way. Check 'em out below, starting with Brian Hyland's version: a "Great Song of 1970."

Brian Hyland: (1970:

The Impressions/Curtis Mayfield (1961):

Santana (1990):